ANDERSON, Ind. (AP): The family of a teenager who died of an apparent suicide in the back of a police car two years ago is suing the city of Anderson for wrongful death and negligence.

Authorities say 17-year-old Jace Zook strangled himself using a seat belt after being arrested in August 2012 with two other teens suspected of trying to break into the Madison County Shrine Club in Anderson.

The Herald Bulletin reports attorneys for the teen's mother, Lisa Manasco, and grandparents have sought $1.5 million in damages.

A message from The Associated Press seeking comment from the Anderson city attorney on the federal lawsuit wasn't immediately returned Monday.

The lawsuit says police officers left Zook unsupervised for an extended time while investigating the scene and found him unconscious when they returned.